Bikers are becoming more and more of a problem with the law. Trespassing on private properties in order to ride their bikes or scooters is on the rise. They seem to believe that trespassing law do not pertain to them or, perhaps, that other people’s property is not important enough to worry about destroying. Maybe they think that any damage done to someone else’s property will be paid by that party’s insurance. It does not even occur to some bikers that their vehicles are required to be insured as well.
Sergeant Nigel Nevard of Kent Police noted: “We have spoken to a number of riders coming into North Kent. We are sending them a clear message that we will not tolerate their behavior and will seize their bikes when we catch them.”
Statistics from the Department of Transport have indicated that 6.5% of motorcycle owners failed to pay tax and insurance for 2007.
There are also some who believe that since they do not use their vehicle on the road that they are not required paying taxes. This percentage is an enormous 9.8 percent of individuals. This includes those who primarily show or display their bikes but still drive these bikes on the road to the shows. Motorists have the highest percentage of insurance evaders which not only puts them at risk but also all other drivers on the road. If an accident occurs with one of these uninsured motorists while they are on the road, it is the other vehicle?s driver and insurance policy that suffers.
These vehicle owners are avoiding all insurance, including liability, which is a requirement in all states and lack of this or any insurance is a crime. Children are also receiving high powered vehicles as gifts from their parents. These inexpensive vehicles, including power scooters, mini-motorbikes, and quad bikes, can easily travel forty miles an hour. Some of these motor vehicles can exceed 60 miles per hour.
Because they are viewed as toys, many neglect to acquire the necessary insurance. ROSPA stated “The problem has become greater with an estimated ten-fold increase in sales since 2002, primarily due to the low cost and the ability to buy online.”
The arrival of these inexpensive machines with inferior value and not enough attention being paid to adequate safety measures on the part of the merchants has only made the issue that much worse. “The message is clear; if it can be used on the road then it is at risk from other road users and should be insured.” If you don’t get the proper insurance then you are placing yourself endanger of not only losing your bike, but you are also increasing the chances that you acquire a record of criminal activity in the process.
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